Bangkok-Kolkata Flight Fight: Video of mid-air brawl goes viral

A widely shared video on social media depicted passengers on a flight from Bangkok to Kolkata fighting physically. In the footage, some individuals can be seen hitting one other person repeatedly. Initially engaged in a heated quarrel, two passengers can be heard pleading with one another to let down their hands. Slaps quickly ensued as other travellers joined in.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) became aware of the footage and opened an investigation. According to reports, the event happened on December 26.

What occurred on the Thai Smile Airways aircraft from Bangkok to Kolkata?

One of the passengers started the fight by defying the flight attendant's safety warnings. The cabin staff had instructed passengers to set their seatbacks upright prior to the flight. This is a common safety procedure for takeoff and landing on aircraft. If chairs are reclined, it may be challenging to evacuate in an emergency.


On the Thai Smile Airways aircraft, one passenger allegedly refused to have his seat placed upright, stating he had a backache.

Another passenger sat a few rows behind and intervened when the person disobeyed the cabin crew's instructions. A disagreement quickly developed into a violent altercation. In the widely shared video, passengers could be seen striking each other repeatedly as the plane descended into mayhem. Later, other travellers and the cabin crew were able to calm the situation down, but the viral video has stirred up quite a stir.

Thai Smile Airways expressed regret for the situation. In a tweet the airline stated that the airline reaffirmed that the issue was handled properly since we adhered to the highest international standards when following the flight safety protocols.

FAQs

1. Who owns Thai Smile Airways?
THAI Smile Airways is a THAI Airways International Public Company Limited subsidiary.

2. Which aircraft does Thai Smile fly?
Airbus 320-200